Community in mourning after death of toddler on Norfolk farm

A community was in shock last night and prayers were being said for a local family following the tragic death of a toddler on a south Norfolk farm.

An investigation was launched by police on Thursday night after the boy, who was nearly two-years-old, died of his injuries following a collision with a pick-up truck at a farm in Kenninghall, near Diss.

The officer investigating the incident last night said that investigations were continuing into the collision at Wash Farm. However, it appeared that it was a “tragic accident”.

Members of local community spoke of their sadness following the tragedy that happened just after 4pm at the farm off Fersfield Road.

The boy’s parents, Richard Criddle and Lucy Wood, were being consoled by family and a specialist officer from Norfolk Police last night following the accident on the family farm.

The boy was struck by a silver Nissan pick-up truck at the farm and the toddler was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers had been speaking to the driver of the truck, who was aged in his 60s, but no arrests have been made.

The coroner has been informed and roads policing officers are working with the Health and Safety Executive to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Detective Inspector Andy Coller, said: “Our investigations are continuing with officers working closely with the Health and Safety Executive, however, at this time all indications are that this appears to have been a tragic accident. We have a specialist officer lending support to the family at this very difficult time and this will continue.”

Steve Gordon, chairman of Kenninghall Parish Council, said villagers’ thoughts and prayers went out to the family. The boy’s grandparents, Eddie and Ann Wood, had lived in the area for many years.

“We are deeply shocked and the family have been there for decades and it is very sad for the whole family.

“We are a very close-knit community and everyone knows each other and they have been part of the community for decades.”

“It is one of those horrid, unexplained things that happen sometimes and it is also a very sad day for the person involved in the accident. The news is spreading through the community and people are sending their best wishes,” he said.

A director of Norwich Livestock Market, David Ball, said that Richard Criddle was a popular and extremely hard-working member of the team behind the fortnightly sales.

“He has revitalised the sheep section at the market and he’s very popular,” said Mr Ball, which is why we asked him to judge our summer show and sale in August.

“Our thoughts will be with Richard and his family at this terrible time. It is a very stark reminder just how dangerous farms can be,” he said.

The East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) were alerted to the farm in Kenninghall at 4.04pm.

EEAST spokesman Gary Sanderson said: “First and foremost our thoughts are with the family at this tragic time.”

A spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive said they were liaising with the police over the incident.